By Ampamya Ronah
The Walt Disney Company has announced a groundbreaking venture that will bring its iconic storytelling to the Middle East for the first time with Disneyland Abu Dhabi, a state-of-the-art theme park and resort set to rise on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This ambitious project, developed in collaboration with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations, promises to blend Disney’s timeless magic with the rich cultural heritage and futuristic aesthetic of Abu Dhabi, creating a “whole new world” of entertainment that will captivate families across the globe.
Located on the vibrant Yas Island, a world-class entertainment hub just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be Disney’s seventh theme park resort and its first major new location since the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016. Yas Island is already home to iconic attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, making it a magnet for thrill-seekers and families alike. Disney’s addition will elevate the island’s status as a global tourism powerhouse, capitalizing on the UAE’s strategic location, which places it within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population and serves over 120 million airline passengers annually through Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The waterfront resort will feature a unique blend of themed accommodations, world-class dining, immersive shopping experiences, and all-new attractions designed to celebrate both Disney’s heritage and Abu Dhabi’s architectural beauty and cultural identity. Disney CEO Bob Iger described the project as “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” emphasizing its role as an “oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment” that will inspire generations.
At the heart of Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be a breathtaking castle, a signature element of every Disney resort, but with a bold twist. Unlike the traditional fairytale castles of Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, concept art reveals a spiraling, crystal-like structure that towers above the park, evoking a futuristic and ethereal aesthetic. This modern castle, rising “from the sand and also being on the water,” as described in Disney’s announcement, will anchor the resort’s innovative design and set the stage for a park that Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, calls “the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio.”
The resort’s waterfront location, a first for Disney (unlike Tokyo Disney Resort, where water is visible but not accessible), will enhance its storytelling possibilities. Concept art hints at waterfront attractions that integrate the sea into the guest experience, creating a seamless blend of natural beauty and Disney magic. The park’s design will also incorporate cutting-edge technology, positioning Disneyland Abu Dhabi as Disney’s most technologically advanced resort yet.
Disney’s partnership with Miral is central to the project’s vision. Miral, which has developed and operates several of Yas Island’s top attractions, will oversee the resort’s construction and operations, while Disney’s legendary Imagineers will lead the creative design and provide operational guidance to ensure the park delivers the immersive storytelling and world-class experiences the brand is known for. This collaboration reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to diversifying its tourism sector and fostering sustainable growth, as highlighted by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, who stated, “Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future.”
The park’s offerings will weave together Disney’s iconic characters and stories with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture. While specific attractions remain under wraps, the resort is expected to feature a mix of classic Disney experiences and innovative, region-specific elements that resonate with Middle Eastern audiences. This approach echoes Disney’s successful strategy at Shanghai Disneyland, which was described as “authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese.”
The announcement has sparked discussions about how Disney will adapt its content to align with the UAE’s cultural norms, particularly given the country’s strict laws regarding same-sex activity and gender expression. Disney’s recent inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in its films and shows, such as the banned “Lightyear” in the UAE, has raised questions about how the company will balance its brand identity with local expectations. Josh D’Amaro emphasized the importance of tailoring the park to its audience, noting that Disney aims to avoid simply transplanting existing parks into new regions. Instead, the resort’s food, design, and experiences will reflect Abu Dhabi’s distinct culture, ensuring a respectful and inclusive approach.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi represents a significant milestone for Disney’s theme park division, which has become a fast-growing contributor to the company’s profits. Notably, the project requires no capital investment from Disney, as Miral will fully fund and build the resort, with Disney collecting royalties for its creative and operational expertise. This model allows Disney to expand its global footprint without diverting resources from its $60 billion, 10-year investment plan for its existing parks. The announcement also coincides with strong financial performance, as Disney reported better-than-expected quarterly results driven by its Disney+ streaming service and robust theme park attendance.
The project is expected to open in the early 2030s, though an exact date has not been confirmed. Its timing aligns with a surge of theme park developments globally, including Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe in Florida and a new resort in the United Kingdom, signaling a competitive race to capture the growing demand for immersive entertainment.
The announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi has generated excitement and mixed reactions online, with fans celebrating the prospect of a new Disney destination and others calling for assurances of guest safety and inclusivity. Posts on X reflect the buzz, with users like @dlrpfans proclaiming, “Disney just announced its first theme park in the Middle East: Disneyland Abu Dhabi! Coming to Yas Island with all-new immersive experiences blending Disney magic & Emirati culture.”
As Disney and Miral embark on this transformative project, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is poised to become a beacon of creativity, innovation, and cultural fusion. With its crystal castle rising from the sands and its waterfront setting, the resort will invite guests to “start thinking about what is possible” and experience a magical new world where Arabian imagination meets global Disney magic.
